Ceremonies Prologue: What Is Life? by: Ann Lowe lagz_xf_forever@hotmail.com

Disclaimer: Don't own Gundam Wing!

Notes: This is weird.;; And 6x9.

"Just once more."

"Fine."

Two people deeply in love, but unable to allow the notice of others. Letting the world know of their love would mean admitting to weakness. That was something neither wanted, nor respected. So, they kept it a secret from the world and all eyes that would take advantage of the situation. That meant all of them. Every last person was an enemy to someone, and that person to someone else, them to another and so on until it cane back to the first person. Everyone was everyone's enemy. There are no allies, just temporary companions. When through with them, they too are discarded. Such is life, the never-ending cycle. Eyes of black and brown peer at all, blue and green gossip, hazel and aqua laugh at the findings. No one is safe. One mistake and it's over.

Those are the thoughts of this couple. The couple whose lives are based on those thoughts. They're probably right, too. So, they hide away from peering eyes and keep their love a secret. They want no other, satisfied in their present companion. Life - to them - is just a game of hide and seek. Living in the shadows and appearing at night when the dark is all- powerful. Showing no compassion to those that are hurt in their game; not even to themselves, the most pained of all.

"Again."

"Life is just a game," someone once said, "It has rules and regulations, penalties and tricks, once you die, you just start over. Go back to day one and retry the whole thing, before even realizing what mistakes you've made. Creating the same problems over and over. Living for tomorrow instead of today. Hiding the truth. Thinking more of what's coming than of what is here. Speaking only when necessary. Swearing and laughing at those weaker than yourself, when you are truly the loser. Hoping that you'll get lucky on your next turn. Life is just a game, we as humans are the pawns, with some higher-up playing around with us as puppets. We do as we're told and fall when threatened. No one stays true to a cause when their life is threatened. No. Life is more important than love in a game. You just want to win. Get out on top. Finish with the high score. Well, if life is just a game, then how do we find the finish? What happens when we lose? Where will we end up? In the trash, like a useless old toy? Or being played over, as a personal favorite? Who's the good-guy and who's the bad? How do you tell? Games are written according to a specific plan. Lives are not. We must choose our own paths. If we realize this, then why don't we do it?"

The eternal question of mankind. To do or not to do? How are we to know? We are all like this starving couple. Hoping for a chance. Everyone gets their chance. Some pass it up, some pass it on. Yet, then again, some use that chance to their advantage and live to the fullest. Maybe these two will realize the mistake they are making. Maybe they won't. Who knows? "Not I," said the little fish as his fins grew dry. "I only know that I am dying. Slowly, but surely."

We are all like this fish in a way. Most of us, at least. Some rare and true people find a way to pass death over and live to the absolute fullest.

"Please."

"Of course."

Loving and living. To do or not to do. To live or die. All the same complexity. Some take it on the chin, others the heart. Which is stronger? Which is the weak one, which is the strong? Will we ever know? Maybe not I, but perhaps you. Or them.

"Again."

"Yes."